Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
12th February 2022
Flower Power
One of my most favourite things to share from the plant world at this time of year is the most unassuming, little red female flower that you can find (if you look really hard) on the hazel trees now.
The hazel has both male and female flowers on each tree, with the male flowers contained within the long, confident catkins, or ‘lambs tails’, that we all know and love. Each catkin is actually made up of loads of individual small green/yellow male flowers, which produce the pollen. There are around 240 male flowers in each catkin, which are formed during the previous summer so that they are ready to open in the dead of winter and flower through the spring.
As kids we used to call the catkins ‘lamb’s tails’ as they ‘wiggled’ in the wind just like a newborn lamb’s tail when the lamb is feeding.
The hazel is wind-pollinated, so the pollen from the catkins is blown to the delicate little red female flowers – which often go completely unnoticed. I think I was in my 30s before I was shown these beautiful little ‘stars’. It always makes me smile that the confident male catkins are well recognised as they show off and herald the promise of spring, and the little humble female flowers are the ones that go unnoticed and yet do all the work to produce the hazel nut in the autumn.
Hazel flowers are also an important source of pollen for bees; pollen is an essential source of fats and proteins. It’s very different from the nectar, which is a sugary food source to provide energy and allow production of honey.
Do take the time to have a look for this special little flower (see pic) if you can – once you’ve spotted one it’ll be easier to see others.
Daisy, Daisy
There is a saying that once you can step on 12 daisies with one foot, then it is spring. I bet you are counting the daisies in the photo now … and yes, there are 12 that I could step on (and I’m only a size 6) and the photo was taken last week in a client’s garden.
Mind you, I’m still apprehensive about winter ‘biting us on the bum’ (technical gardening term). A neighbour reminded me that the ‘winter’ of 1947 started with snow in March and it didn’t stop snowing until May. It was a bit before my time (and his I suspect) but it’s a sobering reminder not to get too complacent with these early spring-like days. And of course, folklore warns us that if the weather is fine and frosty at the beginning of February there is more winter ahead than behind and, similarly, when the cat lies in the sun in February she will lie in front of the stove in March.
Watch the weather over this weekend though, as it is traditionally said that the 12 – 14th February is borrowed from January. If these days are stormy the rest of the year will be favourable but if fine, then the rest of the year’s weather will be foul.
Wingdog
Whilst everyone else is celebrating Valentine’s Day on the 14th, I will be celebrating National Wingman Day on the 13th instead.
The term “Wingman” originated in the military. In the air force, a wingman is the pilot in the plane behind you that has your back, but the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a Wingman as, ‘a male friend who helps, accompanies and supports a man in some activity’.
But – and here’s the reason I’ll be celebrating it – a Wingman can also be a dog. As most dog owners will know our four-legged friends give us unconditional help, company and support. For this reason, many dogs have been described as the best ‘Wingmen’ ever.
National Wingman Day was created in 2016 by Bruce J. Novotny of Bandon in America, who chose February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, as the ‘pawfect’ time for all the Wingmen/dogs out there to be celebrated for all the unselfish support they provide.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Yogi has been my unsurpassable ‘Wingdog’ for the last 12 years. Yogi means ‘master of oneself’ but she is definitely the master of us both. And on Sunday – like every other day – I will be mindful of how lucky I am to have her in my life and by my side.
Ex-seed-ingly Good Swap
For those living near or fancying a trip out to Monmouth next weekend – here’s a date for your diary – Monmouth Seed Swap will be taking place at Bridges Centre on the 19th from 10 am to midday.
You can take your own seeds to swap, or you can make a donation for the fabulous endangered heritage and heirloom vegetable seeds available. All proceeds from donations for seeds are in aid of the Heritage Seed Library.
No-dig expert, Cherry Taylor will be on hand to give advice and my gardening ‘heroes’ – Tools For Self Reliance – will have a selection of renovated and recycled garden tools for sale. They will gladly accept old tools for renovation and will also be offering a tool sharpening service for blunt hoes, shears, axes and knives. It’s a skilled service which I highly recommend to be prepared for the season ahead.
For more details contact Adam Alexander by email at adam@theseeddetective.co.uk or call 07860 646613.
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